Question

You are treating a 10-year-old victim of multisystem trauma. The child is very anxious and confused. The respiratory rate is 44/min and unlabored. The pulse is rapid and weak. Capillary refill is delayed. High-flow oxygen and an intravenous line are in place. The most appropriate initial fluid for rapid volume expansion is:

a. 10% dextrose in water
b. 5% dextrose in Ringer's lactate
c. 5% dextrose in normal saline
d. Normal saline or Ringer's lactate

Answer 1

The most appropriate initial fluid for rapid volume expansion in a 10-year-old victim of multisystem trauma is normal saline or Ringer's lactate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate initial fluid for rapid volume expansion in a 10-year-old victim of multisystem trauma would be normal saline or Ringer's lactate.

In cases of severe dehydration, such as in this scenario, intravenous fluids are needed to restore fluid balance. Normal saline or Ringer's lactate are commonly used as initial fluid choices as they are isotonic solutions, meaning they have the same concentration of solutes as the body's cells and extracellular fluid.

Isotonic solutions like normal saline or Ringer's lactate help to rapidly expand fluid volume, restore blood pressure, and improve tissue perfusion. They also help replenish electrolytes, which may be lost as a result of trauma or dehydration.